WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement: 

“For the majority of Zimbabweans, Robert Mugabe is the only president they have ever known, and today’s announcement of his resignation represents an opportunity for true change after 37 years.  I urge the people of Zimbabwe to remain vigilant and ensure that the events of the recent weeks lead to a true democratic transformation in their country—not simply an opportunity for the military to place its preferred successor in power.  Before the recent political crisis, Zimbabwe had planned on holding elections by August 2018.  I will work with my colleagues to support a process to elect Mugabe’s successor that is free, fair, and transparent, and that reflects the will of the people of Zimbabwe.”

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